Community Input on Willow Road Agreement Applauded

concerning the hotly-debated widening of Willow Road, and contributions from North Shore residents who helped move the project forward were recognized, late Friday afternoon. 

“I would like to acknowledge the extensive efforts of the many community members from Northfield, Glenview, Northbrook and Winnetka who participated through the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) process,” said Fred Gougler, Northfield president, in a press release.

The newly approved plan will include widening Willow Road to two lanes in either direction between Waukegan Road and the Edens Expressway. 

The lanes will be narrower compared to the current width, the speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph, and landscaped medians will be installed, according to the release.

On both sides of Willow Road, sidewalks will be built, with plans to utilize decorative brick near the retail and commercial areas in downtown Northfield. 

Pedestrian cross signals and traffic signals to connect Willow and Clarkson parks and drainage improvements will be made through installation of new storm sewers, according to the release.

“I am confident that the new configuration of Willow Road will balance the need for safety, and mobility with the preservation of Northfield’s residential character, while also providing critical stormwater and drainage improvements throughout the corridor," said Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), assistant senate majority leader, who played a significant role in negotiating the plan. 

The process in reaching the agreement was a long and arduous one with discussions on how to address safety and operational concerns beginning decades ago.

The planning process formally began in 2009, and since then , more than a dozen meetings were held for the Northfield community as well as meeting with the Community Advisory Group charged with guiding the project’s direction.

The $33.7 milllion state cost will come from the Illinois Jobs Now! capital improvement program. Northfield has committed a maximum of $1.3 million, but assistance could come from an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant, according to the release.

The project will reportedly create 455 construction jobs, according to IDOT, and be completed by late 2014.

, out of 106 voters, 83-percent believed the widening project is needed, while 16-percent believe it will create new safety concerns and issues in the area.

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